New Year Sleep Resolutions
If you’re looking for improvements in the new year, a lot can hinge on the quality of sleep you’re getting. Poor sleep can lead to weight gain, fatigue, depression, and lack of motivation and cognitive function —making your New Year Resolutions that much harder to achieve.
How to Achieve Great Sleep
The best way to ensure that your goals are achieved this year is to get quality sleep each night. Good sleep leaves your body refreshed, recharged, and ready to take on anything that life throws at you. Below are some tips to get great sleep for a better year and a new you.
Be Consistent
Long-term quality sleep is improved when your sleep cycle (circadian rhythm) is consistent. Sleeping consistently trains your body to get tired at a specific time of the day, helping you fall asleep faster and deeper over time. The more predictable your overall sleep patterns are, the more restful sleep you will receive. So, make a schedule and stick to it.
Stop Hitting the Snooze
Hitting the snooze messes with your body’s internal clock and sometimes makes sleep inertia (the grogginess you feel when you wake up) last for hours. Being tired for most of the day is a huge inconvenience, especially as an adult. Try setting your alarm just out of arms reach so you have no choice but to get up when it rings.
Shut Off the Screens
The brain is trained to keep us alert when receiving bright light. Because of this, electronics have thrown a wrench into sleeping patterns. Blue light emitted from phones, computers, and TVs mess with your brain, tricking your circadian rhythm and reducing hormone levels of melatonin. Turn off the screens an hour or two before bed to ensure restful sleep.
No Afternoon Caffeine
Caffeine consumption late in the day can prevent your body from truly relaxing at night. One study showed that caffeine consumption three to six hours before bedtime can reduce the significant overall quality of sleep. Long-term caffeine use within this timeframe can also cause sleep deprivation. Limit caffeine consumption to morning and mid-day. This will ensure that your body stays in balance with your sleep cycle.
Upgrade Your Bedding for Better Sleep
Using an old mattress can be a pain (quite literally) and disrupt your sleep. Replace that old mattress with something that hugs the contours of your body and helps relieve pressure points, such as our Lucid™ Hybrids. Or find a pillow that cradles your head and provides relaxing scent infusions such as the Lucid aromatherapy pillows. Tailor your bedroom to your specific sleep needs.
Better Sleep Ahead
We hope these sleep tips help you in the new year. Visit our Lucid website for sleep products that will further enhance your sleep experience.